Israeli officials believe that 98 hostages remain in Gaza and that about 60 are still alive. More than 100 hostages were released during a week-long truce in November 2023. Since then, some have died in captivity, while others were rescued by Israeli forces.

If the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal goes according to the current draft, then fighting will stop in Gaza for 42 days, and dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed

The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough.